My Little Dipper

Zane is really into dipping his cracker or chip lately. I would even say that "dip" is one of his first words. He says it rather clearly. Here he is really into some hummus which he eventually abandoned the cracker and ate it with his hand because he loved it so much. Today he was really into dipping into some guacamole. When you try and take it away, it turns into a little bit of an upset...


The many "dipper" faces...

It is Christmas time...

Our incredible friend, Sara, sent us a wonderful package last week. It contained three, beautiful, hand-knitted stockings. One for each of us; made with lotsa love. It was just the best package ever to open. We really felt so lucky to have such a beautiful and thoughtful friend.
They are hung and filled to the brim. Sara thought they were going to be too big. Well, not for us! They have goodies galore!


Zane trying to put one on his head.


He loved the bells on the one stocking.


Zane and Daddy watching Rudolph on TV. He actually watched for about 5 minutes (the longest he has ever watched TV) and then fell fast asleep! It was really sweet.

Zane got a singing/dancing snowman from Larry and Denise. He just thought it was the funniest thing that he could turn it on and off!

Sleep

We just really appreciate the moments of sleep we get around here. For Paul and I lately this has been hard to come by, but we just savor the moments of quiet.




Man, those books must be boring, heh? Snore.

He doesn't sleep with us anymore but in those early morning hours it is nice to catch those last couple of hours of sleep together. Those morning hours will always be special...

My sleeping boyz... so sweet. These are the moments that I start to feel all sweet and fuzzy.


Just check out that face in this one. He wasn't appreciating the flash too much!


And Mommy gets some time to snooze too.

Playdate at the park

Tiffany & Brianna


Dex & Zane


Mindy and I decided to load up the tandem bike and the trailer to head to the park. It was a rocky ride but we made it!


Luci & Zane

Peace Out!

Hanging out at a Peace Festival with friends Mindy and Luci.

Holimon/Albury - Utah Bound

At the beginning of November we went to Sarasota for a sad and happy occasion... the goodbye party for Beth Ellen, Keith & Sam. They are moving to Utah and really excited about all that it has to offer for them. We are so sad to see them go.

The party was great and then the next day Paul helped them load up the moving truck while I hung out with Zane. The little guy was so good through the day just hangin' out in the yard and chatting with his Aunt Be.

Aunt Rae and the rocking horse.

Sam showing us how it is really supposed to be done.

Sam and his chickens...

Check out some REALLY fun chicken videos

Video: Sam & his chickens

Video: Sam, Zane & the chickens

The crazy mover.

Paul and I do love our siblings...

Going back and looking through a BUNCH of pics that I would like to post I came across some birthday photos that I think are special...


Zane got a beautiful card in the mail from his Uncle Ben and Aunt Rachael. It was beautifully decorated with colorful leaves that they picked up in their yard and waxed. They also included quite a stack of leaves for Zane to play with. Inside, the card read:

Why do leaves change color, you ask?

Leaves change color in the fall because the green chlorophyll, which is part of a trees food factorie, disappears for winter. As the green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors that were covered up by the green chlorophyll. Bright reds and purples are caused by glucose, tree food, being trapped in the leaf.

As you eagerly make your first step toward walking, may your falls be graceful and soft. Like a leaf coming to rest on the earth by a gentle breeze.

We look forward to seeing you in the mountains on fall.

We love you, Rachael & Benjamin

Well, Zane may not totally understand how cool this card is, but we sure do! It was beautiful and we have a stack of wonderful leaves that we can pull out and let Zane play with once in a while!

You guys rock!



Aunt Lara came down from school in Gainesville to spend the weekend for Zane's birthday. It was such a good visit and Zane really likes hangin' with his Aunt Lala.



Paul and Lara set out to cut the pumpkins for the party decor...

The Long Awaited Birthday Party Photos!!

On October 27th we threw Zane a big birthday bash! He was such a lucky boy and had so many come visit him! We had chili and cornbread and pumpkin cake and cupcakes! (A must try cake recipe for the season. It was super delicious!)

Daddy as a super punk and our birthday candle!

Note the beautiful craftsmenship on Zane's costume! Mommy-Made of course! I took some of his cotton white pants he was about to outgrow (like all of his clothes!) and a white t-shirt and sewed on yellow diagonal stripes. Then I made a flame head piece that he actually wore for the whole party! That made this Momma SO happy and giddy!

Friends from Punta Gorda Aunt Sandy and Joe.

Erica, James and new baby Spencer.

Mindy & Luci, the ballerinas.

Grandad and the Birthday Candle.

Aunt Maggie reading the birthday boy a story.

Dexter, the pirate.

Happy Birthday little man!

Tired Party Boy

Mimi & Papa got Zane the "Learning Tower" for his birthday! This is so awesome! It allows him to get up to the counter with us and eat or help "cook." It also can turn into a puppet theater or a desk in a few years.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Yesterday we went with Mimi, Beth, and Dexter to the Farm City BBQ so she could show the little man off to all her buds. Zane had quite a meal and LOVED the corn on the cob! He ate steak for the first time and enjoyed it for a few bites (that is how he is with all meats... just a couple of bites and then he is over it). But, it was sure fun giving him the whole steak and letting him chew on it!
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving day. AND eat TOO much! I know Zane will!

Slacker, but not really.

I know, I know. I have been really bad.

We have been so darn busy around here that I haven't even had my late night time to do some blogging. I have so much I want to share. And I will. I promise.

But, for now... here is a cute video that I found of when Zane learned how to play that harmonica! It was probably about 3 or 4 weeks ago but I thought it would put a smile on everyone's face for the holiday week! Enjoy!

The sky is falling!

Zane's Auntie Lala (Paul's sister, Lara) went skydiving a few weeks ago and had the time of her life! When she was visiting for Zane's birthday she brought the video and it was amazing! It really made me wish I had pulled through on going skydiving before our little guy came along. We got to be oh so responsible now, you know?